Following the Japanese Grand Prix, Renault and Pirelli stayed back at Suzuka for more of the 2019 Formula 1 tyre testing.
The last test took place at France’s Paul Ricard circuit with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc & Sebastian Vettel and Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas on duty, testing the dry weather Pirelli tyres for the 2019 F1 season.
The latest test took place at Japan’s Suzuka circuit with Renault’s development drivers involved in the two days – once again testing the dry weather tyres. However, the second day was affected by rain and so they ran the wet weather compound.
The first day on Tuesday saw Jack Aitken driving as the British-Korean driver completed 104 lap under sunny conditions at Suzuka. The second day on Wednesday had Artem Markelov in the R.S.18.
His run was interrupted due to rain which forced Pirelli to bring out not only the intermediate but also the full wets as the Russian completed 73 laps in all to bring the total to 177 laps in the two days of running.
The two FIA Formula 2 Championship drivers gained more experience in the current-spec Renault cars, which they have already driven earlier in the season even though the tyres were unknown and were unmarked.
Only one round of 2019 tyre testing remains which will take place post the Mexican Grand Prix on October 30 with Sauber involved. The team has ruled out Kimi Raikkonen for the test with Marcus Ericsson or Antonio Giovinazzi likely to get the nod.
After Mexico, more testing will take place for 2019 but only after the 2018 season ends with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina circuit in November. It co-incides with the ‘young drivers’ test.